Abstract: The present invention relates to novel chemokine polypeptides and encoding nucleic acids. More specifically, therapeutic compositions and methods are provided using isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a human chemokine beta-1 (Ck&bgr;-1 or Ckb1) polypeptide (previously termed monocyte-colony inhibitory factor (M-CIF), MIP1-&ggr;, and Hemofiltrate CC chemokine-1 (HCC-1)), and Ckb1 polypeptides themselves, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. Also provided are methods of treating, preventing, ameliorating diseases using such compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated Cytokine Activating Factor (CAF) protein, an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a CAF protein, an antibody that selectively binds to a CAF protein, a composition comprising a Cytokine Activating Factor (CAF), and a method for modulating the immune system using the composition. Also disclosed is a method for treating cancer using such a composition.

Abstract: Human TNF-gamma-alpha and TNF-gamma-beta polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides to inhibit cellular growth, for example in a tumor or cancer, for facilitating wound-healing, to provide resistance against infection, induce inflammatory acitvities, and stimulating the growth of certain cell types to treat diseases, for example restenosis. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation in the TNF-gamma-alpha and TNF-gamma-beta nucleic acid sequences or overexperession of the TNF-gamma-alpha and TNF-gamma-beta polypeptides. Antagonists against such polypeptides and their use as a therapeutic to treat cachexia, septic shock, cerebral malaria, inflammation, arthritis and graft-rejection are also disclosed.

Abstract: Immunoconjugates for the selective delivery of a cytokine to a target cell are disclosed. The immunoconjugates are comprised of an immunoglobulin heavy chain having a specificity for the target cell, such as a cancer or virus-infected cell, and a cytokine, such as lymphotoxin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-2, or granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, joined via Aits amino terminal amino acid to the carboxy-Aterminus of the immunoglobulin. Nucleic acid sequences encoding these immunoconjugates and methods of their preparation by genetic engineering techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: An isolated cDNA encoding a growth-inducing protein, Frzb, capable of stimulating bone, cartilage, muscle and nerve tissue formation. The CDNA and protein sequences of human and bovine frzb are provided. Production and purification of recombinant Frzb are also described.

Abstract: Novel mammalian zcyto7 polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods including antibodies and anti-idiotypic antibodies.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides of the truncated form of human Ck&bgr;-8 are provided. Methods for using the polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel proteins with TNF-alpha antagonist activity and nucleic acids encoding these proteins. The invention further relates to the use of the novel proteins in the treatment of TNF-alpha related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fusion polypeptide comprising a chemokine and either a tumor or viral antigen which is administered as either a protein or nucleic acid vaccine to elicit an immune response effective in treating cancer or effective in treating or preventing HIV infection.

Abstract: This invention relates to IMX7189 cytokines and to new members of the human cytokine polypeptide family, methods of making such polypeptides, and to methods of using them to treat conditions and diseases involving proliferation and/or differentiation of cells from pluripotent stem cell precursors, and to identify compounds that alter cytokine polypeptide activities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a purified polynucleotide encoding a novel polypeptide, designated Fhm, which belongs to the TNF gene superfamily; to purified Fhm polypeptide molecules; to antibodies that bind Fhm; to materials comprising such molecules; and to methods of using such molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to zalpha11 Ligand polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules. The zalpha11 Ligand is a novel cytokine. The polypeptides may be used within methods for stimulating the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amino-terminally truncated MCP-2, lacking NH2-terminal amino acids corresponding to amino acid residues 1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4 or 1-5 of the naturally-occurring MCP-2 and having chemokine antagonistic activity, as well as cDNA sequences encoding them, their use in therapy and/or in diagnosis of the diseases, in which an antagonistic activity of the chemokine effects is required, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery and characterization of several genes and the polypeptides they encode: thymotaxin (Tango-45), Tango-63d, Tango-63e, Tango-67, and huchordin (Tango-66). Thymotaxin is a new member of the C—C family of chemokines. Tango-63d and Tango-63e are two novel polypeptides within the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. Tango-67 is related to a number of growth factors. particularly members of the connective tissue growth factor family. Huchordin is related to chordin, a known protein that is involved in the induction of twinned axes, can completely rescue axial development in ventralized embryos, is a potent dorsalizing factor, and plays a crucial role in regulating cell-cell interactions in the organizing centers of head, trunk, and tail development.

Abstract: Novel human polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are disclosed that can be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel T1R-like ligand II protein. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the T1R-like ligand II protein. T1R-like ligand II polypeptides are also provided, as are recombinant vectors and host cells for expressing the same.

Abstract: The invention concerns new tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factors, designated TRAF. The new factors are capable of specific association with the intracellular domain of the type 2 TNF receptor (TNF-R2), and are involved in the mediation of TNF biological activities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amino-terminally truncated RANTES, lacking NH2-terminal amino acids corresponding to amino acid residues 1, 1-2, 1-3 or 1-4 of the naturally-occurring RANTES and having chemokine antagonistic activity, as well as cDNA sequences encoding them, their use in therapy and/or in diagnosis of the diseases, in which an antagonistic activity of the chemokine effects is required, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to a polypeptide domain having reduced immunogenicity that is capable of inducing trimers in heterologous polypeptides, fusion polypeptides comprising the trimer inducing domain, nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel CK&agr;-4 protein which is a member of the CXC chemokine family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human CK&agr;-4 protein. CK&agr;-4 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of CK&agr;-4 activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting immune system-related disorders and therapeutic methods for treating immune system-related disorders.

Abstract: A mammalian cytokine-like polypeptide, called Mammalian Cytokine-like polypeptide-10, (Zcyto10), polynucleotides encoding the same, antibodies which specifically bind to the polypeptide, and anti-idiotypic antibodies which bind to the antibodies. Zcyto10 is useful for promoting the healing of wounds and for stimulating the proliferation of platelets.

Abstract: This invention relates to IMX129840 cytokines, including new mammalian cytokine polypeptides; to methods of making such polypeptides; to methods of using them to treat conditions and diseases involving proliferation and/or differentiation of cells from pluripotent stem cell precursors; and to methods of identifying compounds that alter IMX129840 cytokine polypeptide activities.

Abstract: A process for purifying human Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), obtained by fermenting a strain of recombinant E. coli, which comprises: a) loading the mixture to be purified, which has been buffered at a pH value lower than 6.2 and optionally diluted to reduce its ionic strength at a low value, onto a cationic exchange matrix and eluting said matrix with an aqueous buffered solution having a pH value from about 7.5 to 9.0 and a low ionic strength; and b) applying the eluate from the cationic exchange step, containing the desired IL-1ra protein, directly onto an anionic exchange matrix and eluting with an aqueous buffered solution having a pH value within the above range 7.5 to 9.0 and an increased ionic strength.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for diagnosis and treatment of metabolic bone diseases and disorders using a novel member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family of cytokines. In particular the invention provides methods of using the Endokine alpha protein and/or homomultimeric and/or heteromultimeric polypeptide complexes containing Endokine alpha, in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of metabolic bone diseases and disorders. Also provided by the invention are methods of using the Endokine alpha protein and/or homomultimeric and/or heteromultimeric polypeptide complexes containing Endokine alpha, in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diseases and/or disorders associated with aberrant osteoclast development and/or activity. The present invention also provides isolated polynucleotides encoding polypeptides of the invention, antibodies thereto, and agonists and antagonists thereof, for use in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of metabolic bone diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel human tumor suppressor (NHTS) and polynucleotides which identify and encode NHTS. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding NHTS and a method for producing NHTS. The invention also provides for agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding NHTS, and their use, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of NHTS. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding NHTS for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of NHTS. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding NHTS.

Abstract: Cytokines and their receptors have proven usefulness in both basic research and as therapeutics. The present invention provides a new human cytokine receptor designated as “Zcytor16.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for enhancing the efficacy of a vaccine in a subject treated with the vaccine by administering to the subject an antigen in conjunction with a chemokine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the methods of using the H4-1BB protein, ligands to this protein, and various mAbs either directed against H4-1BB or other molecules that can be used therapeutically. The nature and importance of the H4-1BB molecule provides the ligands and related co-stimulatory molecules the ability to enhance or suppress T-cell activation and proliferation. By treating T-cells that have expressed receptor protein H4-1BB with one of the four anti-H4-1BB monoclonal antibodies disclosed herein activation or inhibition of the immune response is seen. Also disclosed herein is cDNA for the human receptor H4-1BB. The cDNA of the human receptor H4-1BB is about 65% homologous to the mouse cDNA 4-1BB and was isolated by using probes derived from murine cDNA 4-1BB. A fusion protein for detecting cell membrane ligands to human receptor protein H4-1BB was developed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel human cytokines (designated individually as NHC-1 and NHC-2, and collectively as NHC) and polynucleotides which identify and encode NHC. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding NHC and a method for producing NHC. The invention also provides for use of NHC and agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding NHC, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of NHC. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding NHC for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of NHC. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding NHC.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding a new family of chemokines, the CX3C family, from a mammal, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1. The isolated polypeptide binds to the DNA binding domain located from −550 to −487 in the promoter of the human TNF-&agr; gene. Additionally, the level of the mRNA transcript encoding the isolated polypeptide is substantially increased in response to LPS stimulation in cultured THP-1 cells.

Abstract: A novel feline cytokine protein having the activity to enhance the cytotoxic activity of feline cytotoxic T lymphocytes, a DNA sequence coding for said protein, a recombinant DNA for expressing said protein, an expression vector comprising said recombinant DNA, a transformant which is transformed with said expression vector, a process for preparing said protein by culturing said transformant, and an antibody against said protein are provided. The novel feline cytokine protein of the present invention is a heterologous dimer comprising FLAF p35 and FLAF p40 and can be used for treating feline infectious diseases such as feline herpes virus type 1 (FHV-1) or feline calicivirus (FCV).

Abstract: Disclosed are created stable polypeptides which are capable of inducing the production of interferon-gamma by immunocompetent cells. The present polypeptides contain specific amino acid sequences usually derived from the wild-type polypeptides, being capable of the production of interferon-gamma, by replacing the cysteine(s) with different amino acid(s). The present polypeptides possess a stability and an activity of inducing the production of IFN-&ggr; by immunocompetent cells, both of which are significantly higher than those of the wild-type polypeptides. In addition to the activity, the present polypeptides can exhibit remarkable activities of inducing the formation of killer cells and enhancing thier cytotoxicities. The present polypeptides are easily obtainable by the process according to the present invention using recombinant DNA techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Stem Cell Inhibitor (SCI) protein which comprises at least one amino acid alteration from its native form which protein does not significantly aggregate but which retains substantially unaltered stem cell inhibitory activity. The alteration is preferably a conservative subsitution of a charged amino acid residue. Such proteins may be used in treating stem cells in a patient undergoing chemotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated TNF-inducible promoter sequences, expression vectors containing such promoter sequences, host cells transfected with such expression vectors, as well as methods for using the promoters, vectors, and host cells for identifying candidate compounds for treating or preventing autoimmune disorders or cancer, or for identifying promoters that are regulated by tumor necrosis factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for secretory production of a foreign protein, in particular, transglutaminase by a coryneform bacterium.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode novel expressed chemokines (ECs) from liver and pituitary gland tissues. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode ECs, expression vectors for the production of purified ECs, antibodies capable of binding specifically to ECs, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of EC-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of ECs, diagnostic tests for inflammation or disease based on EC-encoding nucleic acid molecules or antibodies capable of binding specifically to ECs, pharmaceutical compositions to treat inflammation or disease based on EC-encoding nucleic acid molecules or antibodies capable of binding specifically to ECs.

Abstract: Human chemokine Alpha-2 polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such chemotactic cytokines and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such chemotactic cytokines for the treatment of leukemia, tumors, chronic infections, auto-immune disease, fibrotic disorders, wound healing and psoriasis. Antagonists against such chemotactic cytokines and their use as a therapeutic to treat rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune and chronic and acute inflammatory and infective diseases, allergic reactions, prostaglandin-independent fever and bone marrow failure are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to mutations in the nucleic acid sequences and altered concentrations of the polypeptides. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting mutations in the polynucleotides encoding the chemotactic cytokines and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptides in a host.

Abstract: The invention is directed to purified and isolated novel TSLP polypeptides, the nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against these polypeptides, fragmented peptides derived from these polypeptides, and the uses of the above.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a member of the human chemokine CC protein family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the chemokine &bgr;-15 protein. Chemokine &bgr;-15 polypeptides are also provided. The invention further concerns diagnostic methods for detecting thymus disorders and therapeutic methods for modulating bone marrow cell proliferation and differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel protein, TR16, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily and the TRAIL receptor subfamily. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human TR16 protein. TR16 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of TR16 activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic compositions of macrophage derived chemokine (MDC) and methods for treating and preventing infection by a lentivirus, particularly an immunodeficiency virus, particularly HIV, using MDC proteins, nucleic acids and/or derivatives or analogues thereof. The present invention further relates to methods for detection and prognosis of lenivirus infection, particularly HIV infection using MDC as a prognostic indicator. The present invention further provides MDC proteins, nucleic acids encoding such proteins, that have amino-terminal sequences that differ from other MDC isolates. Recombinant host cells and methods of production are also provided.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding a new family of chemokines, the CX3C family, from a mammal, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: Novel cytokine polypeptides, materials and methods for making them, and method of use are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise at least nine contiguous amino acid residues of SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:4, and may be prepared as polypeptide fusions comprise heterologous sequences, such as affinity tags. The polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding them may be used within a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic, and research applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to human TNF delta and TNF epsilon polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods for producing the polypeptides, in particular by expressing the polynucleotides, and agonists and antagonists of the polypeptides. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing such polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and antagonists for applications, which relate, in part, to research, diagnostic and clinical arts.

Abstract: Fusion proteins having a tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) polypeptide and at least one additional polypeptide covalently fused thereto and selected from an interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) and a second TNF-R polypeptide. The receptor polypeptides are preferably fused together by a peptidyl linker. Suitable fusions include, for example, TNF-R-linker-TNF-R; TNF-R-linker-IL-1R; and TNF-R-linker-TNF-R-linker-L-1R molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel polypeptide possessing growth activities on hematopoietic stem cells, a gene encoding the polypeptide and an antibody reacting specifically with the polypeptide, as well as a method for isolating the above gene and a vector for use in the method. According to the present invention, it is possible to elucidate the pathogenesis of various hematopoietic diseases due to abnormalities in hematopoietic stem cells and of bone marrow inhibition, and to diagnose and treat such diseases. According to the present invention, it is also possible to amplify hematopoietic stem cells in vitro for bone marrow transplantation necessary for the treatment of such diseases or improve efficiency of a gene transfer into hematopoietic stem cells for utilizing the gene therapy. The vector and the method of gene isolation developed to isolate the SCGF gene of the invention are applicable to search for other novel genes and able to contribute to the technological progress in genetic engineering.

Abstract: A cell activation process is described in which an effector cell is transformed with DNA coding for a chimeric receptor containing two or more different cytoplasmic signalling components. At least one of the cytoplasmic signalling components is derived from all or part of a tetraspan-transmembrane protein, CD43, CD6, a mannose, U17, IL-12 or complement receptor, an integrin-associated protein, or a &ggr;-chain associated with a cytokine receptor. The activated cell may be of use in medicine for example in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of canine IL-5. It also sets forth a recombinant DNA molecule, and conservative variants thereof, comprising the DNA sequence of canine IL-5, and recombinant vectors such as expression vectors, comprising a DNA sequence encoding canine IL-5. Further, the invention sets forth polypeptides produced using a recombinant expression vector containing a canine IL-5 sequence. Also disclosed are compositions comprising a nucleotide sequence that is antisense to a DNA sequence encoding a component of canine IL-5, wherein the component can be the full canine IL-5 protein.